At 42 years old, Frank Nsubuga continues to defy age and expectations as he shines on the cricket field.
Known by various nicknames like Franco and Since, Nsubuga has established himself as a prominent figure in Ugandan cricket.
Recently he was “renamed” among the Cricket Cranes that head to Namibia for the Castle Lite Series, making him the most experienced player on the squad.
The tour will run from July 4th-13th and will feature 4 T20i and 2 ODI matches.
With an impressive career spanning over two decades, Nsubuga’s passion, dedication, and unwavering spirit have propelled him to great heights, placing him at a spot where he can be visioned as an inspiration to young cricketers.
“It feels good. It is not easy being my age and still doing the things I do on the field. Am still fit and it makes me happy.” He said.
Born on August 28, 1980, in Nsambya and hailing from Luwero, Nsubuga’s cricket journey was initiated through his father’s work at the National Council of Sports.
Growing up in close proximity to Lugogo, he was exposed to various sports, including cricket.
“When I started my journey in cricket, my Dad was working with the National Council of Sports so this made me a regular on the Lugogo Sports Complex and this gave me the exposure to different sports like tennis, hockey, badminton, table tennis, among others.”
The young Nsubuga’s fascination with the game led him to mimic the senior players, catching the attention of Sam Walusimbi, who became his first coach.
Nsubuga credits Walusimbi and other influential figures like Henry Oketcho for believing in him and nurturing his talent from the very beginning.
“Normally cricket was played on Sundays and since we were always hanging out at the oval watching the game, one day I was called by Sam Walusimbi to the field and through mimicking what the senior players were doing, I got interested in the sport. So Sam Walusimbi was my first coach and I owe him my entire cricket career.”
“Ofcourse not forgetting other gentlemen like Henry Oketcho, Luswata, etc. I remember while growing we didn’t have enough money to spend on shoes so it was Oketcho who bought me my first pair of cricket shoes.”
Nsubuga’s entry into the national team at the age of 14 seemed like a distant dream initially, considering the financial struggles and limited resources within Ugandan cricket.
“I was so young and I never imagined to play on the national team because it looked like an unrealistic dream at the time, given the circumstances.”
“And to us, we were having fun hanging around players on the national team, running with them, helping them return balls that had been hit far etc.”
At the time, Uganda had not yet become an affiliate of the International Cricket Council (ICC), making funding a significant hurdle.
However, Nsubuga’s determination, coupled with the support of generous well-wishers, enabled him to overcome these obstacles and participate in tournaments such as the Zone Five competition in South Africa.
This experience instilled in Franco a deep appreciation for the game and a commitment to giving back to cricket.
Despite his age, Nsubuga’s commitment to maintaining peak physical condition, regular training, and a disciplined lifestyle has allowed him to stay at the top of his game.
“I still feel strong, I do my drills every morning, I take care of my body, and I don’t drink alcohol. I believe this is one of the reasons why am still fresh.”
His longevity serves as an inspiration to younger players, demonstrating the importance of self-care and dedication.
Looking ahead, Nsubuga has set his sights on nurturing future spin bowlers, including rising talents like Siraje and Baguma, who show promise in taking Ugandan cricket to new heights.
“At the climax of my career I would love to train as many spin bowlers as possible, who will chip in when I bid farewell to international duties.” He said.
Through his coaching and mentorship, Nsubuga hopes to leave a lasting legacy and elevate the sport within the country.
Expressing confidence in the current crop of players, Nsubuga believes that Uganda has the talent and potential to make significant strides in world cricket.
“I have so much belief in the current crop of players and I think they have the ability to take Ugandan cricket to another level. We have the talent so if we can keep on playing more and more games, then we shall surely make the country proud.”
He emphasizes the importance of consistent game time and urges the players to remain focused, determined, and passionate about the sport.
His infectious enthusiasm and unwavering work ethic inspire teammates and aspiring cricketers alike to push their limits and strive for excellence.
Off the field, Nsubuga remains a devoted father to his two boys, emphasizing the importance of family and balance in his life.
As he continues to train and mentor young spin bowlers, Nsubuga hopes to shape the next generation of players who will carry the torch and raise the bar for Ugandan cricket on the international stage.
Profile
Full name: Frank Nsubuga
Age: 42 years old
Role: Bowler
Current Club: Aziz Damani Development
National team debut: 1996
Parents
– Father: Robert Mukasa
-Mother: Milly Nakibuuka
Clubs played for;
– Wanderers
– Tornado
– ACC
– KICC
– Aziz Damani
Semi-pro
– Asia Cricket Club (South Africa)
– Simba Union (Kenya)
– Swamin (Kenya)
